WEST Dunbartonshire’s new local policing commander hopes to “strengthen public trust and confidence” as he steps into the role.

Chief Superintendent Gary L’Anson has been a superintendent for the last five years and brings a “wealth of experience” to the area.

He has a background in local, operational, and strategic policing including being the tactical firearms commander for Operation Unicorn following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Chief Superintendent L’Anson told of how he wants to deliver on priorities that matter to the local community but admits “there will be challenges ahead”.

He said: “For me personally, this is an incredible opportunity, and I am extremely proud to accept the position of local policing commander.

“I look forward to supporting the incredible work our officers, staff and volunteers do on a daily basis.

“Having already met several of them, they are clearly committed to delivering the best service possible and I hope to build on that ongoing work.

“I hope to strengthen public trust and confidence, find new and innovative approaches to solving problems to ensure we are providing highly excellent policing services to everyone, particularly to our remote and rural communities.

“Above all, I want to get to know our communities better and I want us to deliver on the priorities that matter to you.

“There will be challenges ahead, of that I am sure, but together we can achieve a better, more positive outcome.”

Chief Superintendent L’Anson’s career began in the Gorbals in Glasgow where he served as a beat officer.

From there he went on to become a community officer in Pollokshields and worked in East Kilbride, Glasgow City Centre, and Ayr where he took on the role of Area Commander.